What’s Included in a Deliverables Package? What Beginner Filmmakers Don’t Know

If you’re a filmmaker preparing to submit your film for distribution, whether through a self-distribution platform like Filmhub or via direct deals with buyers, your job isn’t done when the final cut is locked. In fact, some of the most important work begins after the credits roll.

Distributors, aggregators, and marketplaces expect more than just a polished movie file. They want a complete deliverables package, which is a collection of assets that help them promote, place, license, and legally represent your film. Deliverables can make or break your ability to get picked up by platforms like Amazon, Tubi, Apple TV, and more. And if you’re not ready, you could face costly delays, rejections, or even the dreaded “resubmit with corrections” email.

Your Final Film File Is Just the Beginning

Yes, you need your finished film, but in any whimsical format. Distributors want high-quality, technically correct files that meet strict specs. This typically means an HD or 4K ProRes 422 HQ file, delivered in .MOV format, with stereo or 5.1 audio, clean of watermarks, bars, tones, or slates. Some platforms also require an additional version with burnt-in subtitles for non-English dialogue or full closed captioning for accessibility compliance.

If you’ve finished your film but only have an H.264 export for festivals, you’ll likely need to go back into your editing or color session and export a higher-quality master for delivery.

Captions, Subtitles, and Accessibility Requirements

Most streaming platforms require closed captions, and many are now also asking for subtitles in additional languages. Captions should be delivered as separate text files (.SRT, .VTT, or .SCC), not burned into the video.

Platforms like Filmhub will often reject films that don’t meet accessibility standards, especially in English-speaking territories. If your film doesn’t yet have accurate, properly formatted captions, now’s the time to get them created: either via transcription services or with AI-assisted tools and manual correction.

Poster Art, Key Art, and Promotional Stills

You’d be surprised how many filmmakers get rejected simply because they didn’t prepare proper key art. A deliverables package should include a professionally designed poster, ideally in portrait orientation (2000×3000 pixels or larger), with clear title treatment, credits, and no film festival laurels or review blurbs (yes, even if they’re glowing).

You’ll also need landscape promotional images for platform thumbnails and banner placements, typically 16:9, 4:3, and 1:1 aspect ratios in high resolution. Make sure your art is free of compression artifacts and includes at least a few clean versions with no text or logos.

And don’t forget about stills from the film itself. Distributors and PR teams often want frame grabs that represent the tone and story. These should be diverse, high-quality moments, and it’s best if they’re not just stolen from the trailer.

Metadata and Loglines

You can have the best film in the world, but if your metadata is weak, you’re at risk of getting lost in the crowd. Every deliverables package needs to include a solid synopsis (both short and long), your logline, genre, runtime, language, year of completion, and detailed cast and crew credits.

Some platforms also ask for behind-the-scenes info like how the film was shot (camera, aspect ratio), whether it’s based on a true story, and whether it has any awards or prior distribution history. Be thorough. It helps platforms categorize and market your work effectively.

Legal Documents and Rights Declarations

This is where things can get sticky. Distributors need to know you own everything you’re submitting, or at least that you have permission to license it. This means providing:

• Chain of title documents
• Music cue sheets
• Talent releases
• Location releases
• Writer and director agreements
• And possibly errors and omissions insurance (E&O) depending on the deal

Platforms like Filmhub don’t always require these at submission, but buyers will ask for them later, especially if your film starts gaining traction.

The Importance of Getting This Right

Distributors don’t have time to chase down missing files or decipher confusing submissions. A well-prepared deliverables package only makes your film more attractive and sends a signal that you’re professional, buttoned-up, and ready for business.

It also minimizes the risk of delays. Every time you need to resend a file or re-export an asset to meet platform specs, you’re wasting valuable momentum. Getting your deliverables right the first time can fast-track your path to streaming and keep your release on schedule.

Typical Deliverables Checklist for Filmmakers

Here’s a helpful overview of the assets you should prepare before submitting your film to distributors, aggregators, or marketplaces:

Category	Deliverable
Video Files	ProRes 422 HQ .MOV (HD or 4K), clean, no watermarks or slates
Optional Video Files	Texted version (with burned-in subs), 5.1 audio mix
Captions & Subtitles	English closed captions (.SRT or .SCC), optional additional language subtitles
Key Art	2000×3000 portrait poster (no laurels), 16:9 banner, 1:1 square thumbnail
Stills	5 to 10 high-res stills from the film (no watermarks or timecode)
Trailer	Optional but strongly recommended, under 2 minutes, platform-safe audio mix
Metadata	Logline, synopsis (short + long), genre, runtime, language, cast/crew credits
Legal Docs	Chain of title, cue sheets, releases, copyright declarations, E&O (if needed)
Marketing	Optional press kit, awards list, BTS images, director’s statement

Our Final Take

Treat your deliverables package like your film’s passport. If it’s incomplete or poorly formatted, you won’t get through the gate. But if you invest the time to prepare everything upfront, and think like a distributor, you’ll make it easier for platforms to say yes and audiences to hit “play.”